Japan in August: Is it really a bad time?

Hey everyone,

Next year, we’re celebrating 20 years of marriage (and travel 🙂), and we’re looking for something new, pretty legendary, and something the teens will enjoy too.

The family council has settled on Japan for now. And it’d have to be a summer trip—no choice there.

The catch: I keep reading that August isn’t the right season for southern Japan. It’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons… Okay, but what does that *actually* mean in practice? Are there any travelers who’ve been there during this time? Is it *that* unbearable? We’re pretty familiar with Southeast Asia—last year, we dealt with scorching heat in Vietnam and insane humidity, plus a typhoon we experienced from a distance, and visiting Angkor in the blazing sun. Is it worse than that?

Thanks for your feedback 😉

Hi Mickaël

You haven’t gotten any replies—weird! I did a little circuit from Tokyo to Kanazawa to Kyoto in late July/early August 2019. Well, you see, I’m still here, but…

It seems you don’t mind the heat, but everyone perceives it differently. Here’s my take: never again Japan in July or August! Example of a typical day: we’d leave early in the morning, and yet, as soon as I stepped out of the hotel, I had this image in my head—me opening the oven to check if the chicken was cooked. I dragged myself around for 10 days, alternating between streets, temple visits, and air-conditioned spots. Thankfully, all the shops are air-conditioned, which gave me a chance to breathe. I drank several liters of water a day without even needing to pee! I sweated *so* much! And it’s often humid too—your body never really dries off. Yet I’m a girl from the south and I’m usually fine with heat.

I loved Japan, but the pleasure was definitely dampened by the weather. It’s a great idea for a family trip! Your teens will love it—my son would’ve killed me if he hadn’t come with me, but I made it up to him with Pokémon gifts 😉 They *might* complain a bit, though… spring or October would really be better.

Others will probably tell you the opposite—like, ‘don’t exaggerate!’ Lots of people travel in July/August because of school holidays, but if you have a choice…

Hi,

I’ve traveled to Japan several times, but only once in August. Yes, it’s *very* hot and humid from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Like Kate, I’m used to the heat, but this was definitely the trip where I sweated the most—along with Cambodia in May 😅😅😅. If your whole family can handle it, that’s great, especially after your other Asian trips. I was also surprised by the cicadas everywhere. Spring (cherry blossoms in late March) and autumn are the best seasons.

Hi Kate,

And thanks Jérôme too for your feedback 😉

Well, I think the verdict’s in. What you both describe still seems way beyond what we can handle...😕. That feeling of opening an oven—I had it once in Angkor, and I still remember it. So a whole trip? No thanks🏴‍☠️

The problem is, the family council’s second choice was the American West, and I’d already said no because it’s too hot there too.

So, where *can* we go in August, for crying out loud...🤪.

Okay, but where *can* you go in August, for crying out loud...🤪.

Want heat but not too much? Otherwise, there are the Scandinavian countries...😕 I’d go to Bali or Malaysia. An ASEAN country that’s great in summer.

The catch: I read everywhere that August isn't the right season for southern Japan.

Hey! So why not the north instead, while spending 2 or 3 days in the south? Japan has never really appealed to me, but I hope to go one day. Whether in summer (I’d avoid it because of the tourist crowds) or another season, I’d prefer Hokkaido Island for its nature and mountains. In summer, the climate is (according to stats) ideal! Otherwise, there’s also South Africa and Namibia... Safari parks should appeal to teens, right? The first is an easy country to visit by car. Accommodation was a great value for money. You’d have to ask park enthusiasts about the summer climate there.

In Europe...

In the north or in mountainous regions to avoid the extreme heat: Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, for example. Though it’s a bit autumnal in the last three.

In Asia...

Mountainous areas or places spared from the monsoon: Kyrgyzstan, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Indonesia (diving).

In Southern Africa: eastern South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Nights can be chilly, days can be (very) hot but without humidity. Diving in South Africa and Mozambique (with a cold-water wetsuit).

In South America: northern Chile, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, Peru except the Pacific coast.

Also Morocco (only along the Atlantic coast + the High Atlas above 2,000 m).

I’d go to Bali or Malaysia. An ASEAN country that’s great in summer.

Ugh, already done... Bali was our honeymoon 20 years ago, it’d feel like going back to the start 🙂 (even though we’ve been back since for the beachy side, and I was shocked at how Ubud had changed in just a few years when we revisited)

But the rest of Indonesia is worth looking into. A Bali/Lombok/Gili combo could work, or maybe Flores? 😉 The wow factor for the teens would definitely be the beaches and snorkeling 😛

Otherwise, there’s also South Africa and Namibia... Safari parks should appeal to teens, I guess? The first is an easy country to visit by car. Accommodation was a great value for money. You’d have to ask the park enthusiasts about the summer climate.

We’ve also done a summer safari before, Tanzania-Zanzibar combo, and the kids (back then 😉) loved it just as much as we did. It really is the right season 😎 But hey, if we told them we’re going on another safari, they wouldn’t say no 😏

In Europe...

From the north or in mountainous regions to avoid the very high temperatures: Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, for example. Well, it’s a bit autumnal in the last three.

In Asia...

Mountains or areas spared by the monsoon: Kyrgyzstan, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Indonesia (diving).

In Southern Africa: eastern part of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Nights can be chilly, days can be (very) hot but without humidity. Diving in South Africa and Mozambique (with cold-water wetsuits).

In South America: northern Chile, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, Peru except the Pacific coast.

Also Morocco (only along the Atlantic coast + High Atlas above 2000 m)

Thanks Agnès for these detailed suggestions 🙂

In South America: northern Chile, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, Peru except the Pacific coast

I admit I hadn’t thought of that. We’ve never set foot in South America, and I have no idea how to plan a trip there (probably because of our Asian bias...), knowing we’re not hikers at all—more like leisurely strollers who admire beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and monuments (though that still involves a fair bit of walking 😛). If there are nice beaches and diving opportunities, even better (which isn’t the case in Japan 😉). I don’t think we’re the right audience for this continent, but I might be wrong 😐. Do you have any more specific ideas for this part of the world?

I’m also thinking about southern Brazil: part of the coast south of Rio (Paraty, Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande, etc.) and especially the Pantanal (it’s huge!) + Iguaçu.

I’m also thinking about southern Brazil: part of the coast south of Rio (Parati, Ilha Grande, etc.) and especially the Pantanal (it’s huge!) + Iguaçu.

See my reply to Attila—we don’t know South America at all, never set foot there or even considered going. I picture vast landscapes where you have to hike a lot, lots of transfers, cities that aren’t exactly dreamy, and not much cultural difference from us... but our many trips to Asia probably skew my perspective.

I didn’t really hike in those countries for the suggestions I made in South America. (For northwestern Argentina, I ended up not going because of COVID, but there weren’t any big hikes planned anyway.)

Beautiful landscapes, historical sites, stunning monuments—it checks all the boxes for trips to South America!

For beaches, though, it’s not the season...

I forgot Ecuador in the list. With the Galápagos for diving...

And the Pantanal in Brazil for wildlife vibes.

Avoid heading south of the continent (winter), the Pacific coast (fog), and a good part of Brazil (wrong season).

Watch out for altitude sickness—take it easy if your itinerary includes stops at 4,000m...

For a first trip, Peru or Ecuador seem like great options.

It’s not Icelandic temperatures, but you’ll still need warm clothes for certain areas at certain times...

There are a few travel journals about this part of the world on my blog.

All trips longer than 15 days take place in summer in our hemisphere.

Another idea: some parts of Mexico (not the Caribbean side due to the bad season—think colonial cities, Baja California, etc.)

I’ll add that domestic flights let you skip some car or bus routes...

Legendary in South America: Cusco and Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Amazon, the Pantanal, the Andes mountain range, colonial cities...

If the piggy bank’s full, Easter Island and the Galápagos.

The upside of the austral winter in these countries is that it’s the dry season inland. So it’s the best time to travel without worrying about landslides, water on the salt flats, or hazy skies!

It’s hot at low altitudes, spring-like during the day at high altitudes, and cold at night at high altitudes.

Like -18°C on the Salar in the dead of night but feels like +18°C during the day...

If there’s one country where I’ve barely hiked, it’s Brazil! That said, what I’ve read about Isla Grande makes me think things have really changed over the past 20 years. The island was stunning, with almost untouched beaches.

In the Pantanal, my daughter and I went in 2009 during the two summer months (July and August). We flew into São Paulo and returned from Lima. The temperature in Brazil never went above 25°C (perfect weather with clear skies all the time), but in Bolivia, we had to buy warm clothes! We skipped the Salar de Uyuni—way too cold!! My daughter loved the Pantanal: boat rides, night walks (not really hiking), and daytime 4x4 trips to spot animals like capybaras, tapirs, anacondas, jaguars… even piranha fishing—she caught a baby alligator!

As for cultural immersion, South America is mostly Catholic and feels close to Europe in that way, except in the Andes where the Inca and Aymara communities live.

But I wouldn’t recommend visiting during the boreal summer because of the low temperatures.

If the piggy bank is full, Easter Island, the Galapagos.

Yeah, yeah, reaaaaally full 🤪 How many kids does Michaël have? Last time I checked flights, it was around 3000 €... per person, of course.

We’ve never set foot in South America, and I have no idea how to even start planning a trip there (probably because we’re so drawn to Asia...). Given that we’re not hikers at all—more like leisurely strollers who love beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and grand monuments (though that still involves a fair bit of walking 😛)—if there are gorgeous beaches and diving opportunities, that’s a plus (though Japan doesn’t fit that bill 😉). I don’t feel like we’re the right audience for that continent, but I could be totally wrong 😐.

I completely relate to everything you said.

My few trips to this side of the world (Brazil, Mexico, Martinique, Santo Domingo) weren’t memorable enough to make me want to return. But Asia? Absolutely! And then there’s Morocco—always a favorite. The Atlantic coast, of course, and why not go all out and head down to Dakhla, at the very end? The wow factor is guaranteed! It’s an easy trip to plan, and I can tell you the kids love it—worked at 3, 12, and 16 years old every time.

It's a special occasion, we only live once! 😛

(I assume you're talking about Easter Island)

Anyway, flights to some South American countries aren't cheap, and they're long on top of that.

There's not much competition!

After that, the USA was considered, and it's one of the most expensive countries I know...

I'm surprised you considered Chile. Like Kyrgyzstan, I just don't see you there.

I can picture you more in Colombia or even Peru.

Where did you go in Mexico that you didn’t like???

It’s one of my favorite countries, even though I haven’t been there in 20 years.

The pre-Columbian ruins, colonial cities, the Copper Canyon train, volcanoes, Day of the Dead…

Plus, the food is great, the drinks are great…😊

Is it the Hispanic side that doesn’t feel different enough for you?

I'm surprised you even considered Chile.

It wasn’t Chile I had in mind, but Easter Island. Just like the Galápagos. An old, unattainable dream, a desire I can’t quite explain. For the Galápagos, it was after reading a book I really liked: *I Wish You Were Here*.

Where in Mexico did you go that you didn’t like???

When did I say I didn’t like it?? I enjoy everywhere I go. I’m not picky. It’s just that I didn’t feel a *strong* urge to go back. I did a road trip (Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guadalajara) in exceptional conditions with some Mexicans. And yet… no real spark, no overwhelming desire to return.

If the piggy bank is full enough, Easter Island, the Galapagos.

Oh yeah, veeeery full 🤪 How many kids does Michaël have? Last time I checked flights, it was around 3000 €... per person, of course.

The Galapagos, it's the Himalayas for divers—I’ll leave that to the bravest (and wealthiest!) 😛

Easter Island with nothing around it is quite a trip. (Duration, price...)

I would’ve loved to go during my two trips to Chile, but it would’ve taken up too many days, and the price was definitely not cheap.

You didn’t say you didn’t like Mexico, but personally, when I say I won’t go back somewhere, it’s because it didn’t really click for me.

So the budget has its limits! ;)

Legendary in South America: Cusco and Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Uyuni Salt Flats, the Amazon, the Pantanal, the Andes mountain range, colonial cities...

Yeah, but all that’s a whole continent 😉. I’m not gonna do Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil in one trip I should focus on one or two countries. I’ve been looking at Peru since this morning. Okay, there’s Machu Picchu, but otherwise...😕

We’ve never set foot in South America, and I have no idea how to even plan a trip there (probably because of our Asian bias...). Given that we’re not hikers at all—more like leisurely strollers who love beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and stunning monuments (though all that still involves a fair bit of walking 😛)—if there are gorgeous beaches and diving opportunities, that’s a plus (though Japan doesn’t fit that bill 😉). I don’t feel like we’re the right audience for that continent, but I’m probably wrong 😐.

I totally relate to everything you said.

My few trips to this side of the world (Brazil, Mexico, Martinique, Santo Domingo) weren’t memorable enough to make me want to return. But Asia...! And then there’s Morocco, always. Attila mentioned it. The Atlantic coast, of course, and—let’s go wild—heading all the way down to Dakhla, the very end of the road. The wow factor is guaranteed! It’s an easy trip to organize, and I can tell you the kids love it! At 3, 12, and 16, it’s always been a hit.

Okay, worth looking into—I hadn’t thought of that at all. Noting all these ideas 🙂

Cuzco, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon, the Colca Canyon...

Around Cuzco and Machu Picchu alone, there’s enough to keep you busy for nearly a week.

Iguazu can be combined with northeastern Argentina. They’re the most beautiful waterfalls in the world (I’ve also been to Niagara and Victoria Falls).

Iguazu can definitely be combined with northeastern Argentina. They’re the most beautiful waterfalls in the world (I’ve also been to Niagara and Victoria Falls)

Absolutely, when I mention Iguazu Falls and Rio to teens, the wow factor is guaranteed. We’ve got a winner here 😉

Hi Michael,

Since you're a lover of Asia and haven’t yet taken the plunge like I did for South America, here are a few ideas to explore:

The northern part of Japan, Hokkaido (which I don’t know), with a car (make sure your driver’s license translation is approved). Why not South Korea by car as well (an international driver’s permit is mandatory)? I know it well, even though it’s hot in August (beaches for your crew 😄). Then there’s Malaysian Borneo, Mongolia (not so much for beaches, sorry 😄), and the many islands of Indonesia.

For something different, there’s northern Australia, which is climatically pleasant. Car rental is an option there too, and I’m sure there are some great beaches.

Just make sure to tell them it's winter and we'll be looking at more like 20-25°C in the air and a bit over 20°C in the water.

Vendée in good weather isn’t the tropics!

You could also add the Pantanal, why not Brasília.

The colonial towns around Ouro Preto will be pleasant to visit too, with a mild but dry climate. Car rental is possible.

Hey Michael,

Since you're an Asia lover and haven't taken the plunge for South America like I did, there are a few options to consider;

The northern part of Japan, Hokkaido (which I don’t know), with a car (make sure your driver’s license is translated and approved). Why not South Korea by car too (an international driver’s permit is mandatory)? I know it well, even though it’s hot in August (beaches for your crew 😄). Borneo in Malaysia, Mongolia (no beaches there, sorry 😄), and the many islands of Indonesia.

For something different, there’s northern Australia, which is great climate-wise. Car rental is easy, and I’m sure there are some nice beaches there.

Thanks for the suggestions! I don’t know Korea at all. If we were to do Japan, it’d be for Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, etc. Hokkaido would be for a second trip (if we ever take the first one :/). Australia is a bit far for a short summer getaway.

Indonesia is still a great option. I think it’ll come down to that or Brazil ;)

You just need to let them know it's winter and that it'll be more like 20-25°C in the air and a bit over 20°C in the water.

Vendée in good weather isn’t the tropics!

You could also add the Pantanal, maybe Brasília.

The colonial cities around Ouro Preto will be pleasant to visit too, with a warm but dry climate. Car rental is possible.

From what I’m reading, it still sounds like a tropical climate. Heat isn’t an issue as long as it’s bearable. I’m in Cyprus right now—it must be a solid 35-40°C, but it’s manageable with the sea and the pool 😛

I’m looking into all this and will come back with questions... in the right forum (since we’re drifting away from Japan 😏)

From what I read, it still has a tropical climate.

In the (Brazilian) Pantanal, we had an average of 20°C to 24°C in July 2009, and no one went swimming (at the fazenda near Campo Grande). On the Bolivian side of the Pantanal and in Santa Cruz, it even dropped to 10°C one day! So around Iguaçu, even though it’s tropical, it shouldn’t be *that* hot in August. Around Ouro Preto, it should stay between 18°C and 25°C max, with cool nights (12°C). It was around 10°C at Lake Titicaca (Bolivia/Peru) in August, but that’s at altitude.

For info on southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul): https://fr.aroundus.com/p/4255633-minuano